The beach was empty except for her—until Dingjie appeared like a storm on the horizon. One moment she was enjoying the solitude, the next he was standing over her with that intense gaze that made her breath catch in her throat.

"You're on my territory," he said, voice low and gravelly like the sound of stones grinding together. No greeting, no introduction—just possession. His broad shoulders blocked the sun, casting her in shadow as he loomed above her.

She stood quickly, sand sticking to her legs. "I didn't see any signs—"

"Signs?" He laughed, a cold sound without humor. "The entire beach is mine. You should've known better than to come here alone." His hand shot out, fingers wrapping around her wrist in a grip that bordered on painful. "But I'm not complaining about the view."

His eyes raked over her body with毫不掩饰的欲望, making her skin prickle with a mixture of fear and unwanted arousal. "Let go of me," she said, trying to pull away.

He only tightened his grip, pulling her closer until their bodies almost touched. She could feel the heat radiating from him, smell the saltwater on his skin mixed with something dark and spicy. "Or what?" His face was inches from hers now, his breath hot against her cheek. "You'll scream? No one's around to hear you."

His free hand came up to brush her hair back from her face, his touch surprisingly gentle compared to his words. "You should be careful who you challenge," he murmured, his thumb brushing across her lower lip. "I always win."

Before she could respond, he released her abruptly, taking a step back but keeping his intense gaze fixed on her. "Stay," he commanded. "I want you here when I return."

And with that, he turned and walked away toward the large beach house at the far end of the cove, leaving her trembling in the sand—unsure whether to run or obey his dangerous order.